What to do with my other degree.

Hi I'm new to this forum, in fact this is my first post, and I hope to get soem help. I was interested in nursing for as long as I can remember but while in college I decided to take psychology just to make sure that it is what I wanted (I don't know what I was thinking). Anyway, I wasted almost 5 yrs with my psych and am now 8 courses away from my degree. I also applied to nursing school and got accepted for a 4 yr B.S in Nursing program at a local college (applied twice for accelalated program but denied).

So I'm starting nursing hopefully this sept 07 and I was wondering for those nurses or student nurses who have previous degrees - what are you going to do with it/them? Do you just forget about them or use them somehow as a nurse/potential nurse? Do you think a psych degree is an advantage when looking for ur first job straight out of school?

I feel like I wasted so much money and time on a degree that I feel like would be no use to me since I changed my major to nursing.

You did make use of it. The courses that transferred over to your new degree program are not wasted. Also, you have that basic knowledge that will help you with your psych nursing rotation. Furthermore, if at all possible, I would try to finish the psych degree, even if one course at a time, you are too close to the end to just chuck it. There are always more advantages to finishing something rather than leaving it hanging. Good luck in nrsg school!!

Feb 26, '07

Hi Fawza,

I actually have a Psych degree too. A part feels like it was a waste of time and a part of me doesnt. I always thought of a Psych degree as a stepping stone degree.

Like the other post said, its what you make of it. I guess I was lucky because my Psych degree has opened a lot of doors for me. I applied several direct-entry programs and was granted interviews for all of them (got into one and waiting to hear back from 2) I also applied to accBSN programs and got into all those as well.

With my psych degree, I was able to work in challenging situations and work in mental health and research. If you are looking at an accelerated BSN or direct-entry program, I really think these programs look at these things on your resume or essay. My psych degree has also helped me learn how to write good papers, interpret research findings and really think critically. So, it is good academically.

You also use it in everyday life and use it with a BSN. A lot of patients have mental health issues related their physical illness. Additionally, in nursing you deal with tons of people and a psych degree comes in handy.

With that all being said, in hindsight I probably would have tried to get in directly into a 4year BSN program b/c I wish I was starting my career now. Nevertheless, I think my psych degree has given a strong foundation to deal w/ an accBSN and DE program. Although, I honestly dont know if at 19 or 20 I would have been able to handle being a nursing student. It is the level of emotional maturity or lack of life experience that I lacked at that age.

I also have never had a hard time finding a decent job with my Psych degree. In fact I was able to find a job 2 months before I graduated w/ my degree (which was dependant on getting my BA).

LC

Last edit by lc3 on Feb 26, '07

Feb 26, '07

double major!

Feb 26, '07

I have a psych degree too, actually a double major with history, and I never did use it. I never really looked for a job though, I had a great bartending gig that paid a lot more than any entry-level job would straight out of college. I always planned to get some type of further schooling, as only a B.S./B.A. in psych can be somewhat limiting, and eventually decided to do some nursing prereqs and apply for an accelerated program. I know that my degree will indeed help with that rotation, and if I decide it's where I want to work it will give me a leg up on other applicants. In addition, psych NPs have prescriptive powers and can do more for their patients than psychologists (PhD, no MD). It will also come in handy in just about any department, as pretty much everyone deals with at least temporary psych issues, or they may be secondary to their real reason for being in the hospital that day. You don't NEED a psych degree, but if you're that close I would definitely try to finish. Also, are you applying to second degree programs before graduating? That's probably why you're getting turned down, no?

Feb 26, '07

my 2nd degree is in Public Relations and health care management. I plan to use it towards patient advocacy and education as I go on, although I have not yet chosen a specialty (public health, epidemiology or insurance claim review)

Communications have also helped me in patient relations already in CNA training. I had a whole quarter in body language and expression- and I feel like that helped me a lot when listening to my patients.

Feb 27, '07

Don't feel bad you could be in my position. I have BA-History and Political Science. MBA and Graduate certificate in Healthcare Management. I felt like I waste my time.

Feb 27, '07

Well, I suppose it depends on what you want to do in your life and in your career. I personally do not think my education is a waste of time or money. I plan to eventually earn a MSN and work as an Administrator who not only has a nursing background, but has a business one as well. My education, work experience, and connections will afford me an ADVANTAGE over regular MSNs trying to get the same job! :spin:

Well, I suppose it depends on what you want to do in your life and in your career. I personally do not think my education is a waste of time or money. I plan to eventually earn a MSN and work as an Administrator who not only has a nursing background, but has a business one as well. My education, work experience, and connections will afford me an ADVANTAGE over regular MSNs trying to get the same job! :spin:

I agree with you. Education is the one thing that, once you get it, no one can take it away from you. You will always have it.

And it's never wasted. Any BS/BA is worth the time, money, and effort, because so much emphasis is placed on higher education in this country that you can't get anything else done without one.

I agree -the OP should finish the psych degree as they're getting the BSN. All education is valuable.

Mar 1, '07

I have a BA/History (9 credits short of an MA), secondary ed certification (taught social studies for 6 years)--- I loved studying history and teaching. I could never consider it a waste. I don't know if it will serve me as a nurse, but my education/work experience will always be part of who I am (does that make sense). I don't regret it for a second.

Mar 1, '07

I think you should attempt to get that psych degree finished when you can before the credits are no longer valid....you can always be a psych RN if that's truly a field that interests you....I have a friend who's been one for years and has done some interesting things with it including intake at a pretty ritzy rehab center.....

I have a bachelor's in Information Systems....just completed it in 1999 and it wasn't 18 months before I realized that IT/business was NOT for me...so here I am back at it again -- at 51. I'm not sorry...I learned a lot of interesting things while I worked in IT, and if worse comes to worse, I can go back to M - F, 8 to 5, as a IT RN.....but man, it's gonna' have to be REALLY worse, lol....

One of the nurses where I am doing clinicals just told us about a MD that's going back to school to get their RN....now isn't THAT bass ackwards?!?! She told me the reason, but I forget what it was....and it wasn't incompetency, but something that actually made sense!!

Go figure....

Mar 5, '07

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. It made me feel better and I will do everything I can to finish it soon hopefully.

Mar 5, '07

I would check with the implications of financial aid if you are using any kind of financial aid. Here in the US, if you were to graduate with your bachelor's degree in psych, you would be cut off for receiving further financial aid in obtaining the BSN. However, if the two bachelors degrees are at the same college, then you can obtain a double major. The concern in the US with financial aid is once you have one bachelor's degree - you are on your own. No more financial aid for other bachelor's.

I'd check this out. In fact, I'd be curious to see the Canadian approach to this.